From historic buildings and art galleries to dazzling winter festivals and bracingly fresh coastal air, there’s plenty to do here this winter. Go ice skating by the Tyne in Baltic Square Gateshead; boo and hiss the Theatre Royal panto; spot red squirrels and visit Santa at Wallington; and settle in to the plush new seats of the Tyneside cinema for some winter classics, as well as the sixth annual Northern Lights Film Festival. In October, the RSC comes to town for its annual visit, while The Sage Gateshead welcomes the Tom Waits Project and Michelle Shocked. Yoko Ono is showing new work at BALTIC from 14 December - 15 March 2009. Then kick back in a cosy real ale pub or check out the local nightlife. You’ll soon forget how cold it is outside…
December, city wide The annual winter festival returns with events to light up dark December nights, culminating in a New Year’s Eve parade featuring the Glowmobiles – crazy illuminated art cars.
Children and Young People’s Festival28 September - 30 November 2008, city wideA first for 2008 is Juice, which celebrates children’s cultural activity with child-friendly events and performances.
Various datesThis feast of architectural lighting wizardry and magical pyrotechnics reaches all corners of the county, kicking off in Blyth, in the south-east (2 November), with events in Kielder Forest in the west (8 - 9 and 14 - 16 November), and Berwick in the north (29 - 30 November 2008).
A huge converted Victorian factory providing a vibrant, friendly environment for art, artists and customers. Everything from paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, glass, furniture and jewellery is on sale.
Extensive collection of paintings and sculptures, including work by Gauguin, John Martin, Stanley Spencer and Henry Moore. Decorative arts from the 16th-18th centuries, including silver, glassware and ceramics from Tyneside.
The North East's most popular free museum and the hands-on place to find out about life in Tyneside. From the area's renowned maritime history to world-changing science and technology, there’s something for everyone.
This breathtaking sculpture is Britain’s largest and can be seen from various points throughout the city. It was created by sculptor Antony Gormley to begin Gateshead’s 1998 public art programme.
The biggest gallery of its kind in the world presents a dynamic international programme of contemporary visual art. Exhibitions range from blockbusters to innovative new work by artists working within the local community.
Comprehensive guide and accommodation ideas for Newcastle.
A Newcastle based company stocking clothing, footwear and accessories by a range of renowned brands and designers.The place to find something that little bit different.
This is Newcastle’s largest traditional market, situated in an elegant, classically styled market near Grey’s Monument. It sells mainly meat and vegetables and is also home to the unique Marks and Spencer Original Penny Bazaar, the world’s smallest Marks and Spencer store. There’s also an arts and craft fair on the second Saturday of each month.
A long-established vintage store specialising in glamorous evening wear and accessories – but that’s not all. Original furniture and décor from the 50s, 60s and 70s are also on sale.
Elegant, opulent and hidden behind an impressive façade, this restaurant has an innovative menu inspired by the food of Salento in Puglia, Italy.
Dating back to 1239, this is the oldest purpose-built restaurant in the country. It is also one of Newcastle’s most recognised eateries and has recently been awarded ‘Best Roast Dinner in the UK’ by actor Kevin Spacey.
Hidden away in the heart of the city, Comfort combines an intimate and relaxed atmosphere with critically acclaimed food and an outstanding selection of wine. As many ingredients as possible are sourced from small farms and artisan producers in Northumberland, County Durham and Cumbria.
Based on the theme of a Manhattan apartment, this venue sets slick new standards of eating and drinking in Newcastle. Two bars, a cocktail bar and a members’ lounge help cater for anyone’s mood.
A fantastic pub venue including a basement bar regarded as one of the best places in town to catch the hottest talent emerging from the thriving local music scene.
A station bar that has rediscovered it past grandeur, Centurion is very ornate and a great place to break your journey.
The North East’s most exciting science centre which hosts an ongoing and award-winning exhibition based on the theme of life. This vibrant centre offers live science shows, an interactive dome theatre, hands-on displays and family based laboratory workshops.
Built in the period 1168 – 1178, this is the original starting point for Hadrian’s Wall and it stands on the site of the ‘New Castle’ built in 1080 and from which the city takes its name. There’s a small museum in the keep and the roof offers spectacular views over Newcastle Gateshead.
With its interesting public art, this is the perfect place for a stroll. From the Quayside you can see the latest bridge on the River Tyne, the Gateshead Millennium Bridge – affectionately known as the ‘blinking eye’ due to its opening mechanism. There’s also an array of bars and restaurants to stop off at.
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